swollen fingers

[Kim]

Merry Christmas to everyone!

I know that edema in heart patients can present itself in the feet, ankles, and abdomen. I have been waking in the morning with swollen fingers. If I take my rings off before bed, I cannot, even with soap or lotion, get them on in the morning. It is evening before the swelling goes down. Normally in the cold weather, my rings are loose on my fingers. Does anyone know if swelling in the fingers could be a fluid retention from CHF? I do have a doctor's appointment scheduled for the week after Christmas.

 

[hensylee]

seems if it's really true edema, there would be swelling elsewhere, as well. My fingers react to cold weather, too. Others will be along to add on.

 

[Karlynn]

Kim,
Are you drinking enough water through out the day? Minimum of 8 glasses (unless you are a congestive heart failure patient). If you don't drink enough water to stay hydrated, you body will retain water to hoard it. The more water you drink, the less you will retain.

You also may want to take a look at what percentage of your food intake is carbohydrates. Too much carbohydrate in the diet will also cause swollen fingers.

Alcohol before bed can sometimes be the culprit.

I used to get swollen fingers during the night, until I balanced my carb intake and increase my water intake. But these are just a few suggestions, I won't go so far as to say this is your issue.

Good Luck
Karlynn

 

[Nancy]

Hi Kim-

I would call the doc with this. When Joe's CHF is bad, he can get swollen fingers. Sometimes, when he has bad CHF, his doctor restricts his fluids, so before doing anything diet-wise call and get directions. Staying low sodium might help too.

Keeping track of your weight each day, at the same time in the morning before breakfast w/o clothing, will give you the guidelines you need to see if there is any sudden weight gain.
Ask your doctor at what point you should call for directions.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi Kim

Hi Kim

Hi Kim,

Just wanted to let you know that I too get swollen fingers to and it usually comes with swollen hands and ankles. I have noticed that on these days, the next day, I have to take 2 Lasix and Potassium pills and it usually goes away until the next time. I don't know if this will help, but I thought I would give it a try. Take Care, Harrybaby666

 

[Kenny F]

So, Karlynn, you're saying washing down a sack of chips with a couple of beers before bed is a bad idea?

Sorry, it's late... couldn't resist

 

[Kim]

Thanks for all of your replys. I believe I do drink adequate amounts of water and do watch carbs (except during holidays it is tough!!).
Henslyee, I too thought, that if this was a CHF issue, I would have swelling elsewhere. I do not drink alcohol. Well...I guess I will just see where this takes me!

Thanks again everyone!

 

[MarciaB]

Kim

I don't think you have to have swelling in your feet in be retaining fluids, although the docs always look at your feet. I noticed I had stiff fingers in the morning, which seemed to be from some swelling. I also have noticed my abdomen will swell up while my ankles do not. After surgery, I was so bloated in the abdomen that it was uncomfortable to walk around. At home after surgery I lost 7 pounds in two days and could fit into my jeans again. My ankles never swelled at all. I think we are all different and our bodies react to stresses differently, the docs should remember that, but they don't always. You should definately talk to your cardio about it.

Marcia